In an ambush interview with GMA Regional TV One Mindanao, PCG Southeastern Mindanao Commander Commodore Philipps Soria said that a total of five (5) bodies were seen floating on Saturday morning.
According to Soria, four bodies were sighted in one sector, while another body was spotted in a separate sector currently being searched by combined marine and air assets.
Despite the sightings, authorities remain hopeful that there may still be survivors, as search operations continue across the area.
Soria added that a Philippine Navy vessel has been deployed to retrieve the bodies, while coordination with other agencies remains ongoing.
Mindanao Development Authority chair Sec. Leo Tereso Magno meanwhile said Saturday afternoon that the number of recovered bodies have risen to 7.
Search, rescue, and recovery operations continue as authorities work to locate other missing individuals and establish the identities of the victims.
Sec. Magno, who personally know several of the passengers of the said sea vessel, have been coordinating the search and rescue operation since Tuesday upon the order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
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